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Aug 13, 2021 - South Side YMCA

The Dreamville Chi-League powered by Wilson brings community together, both on- and off-court

After a four-year hiatus, The Dreamville Chi-League presented by Wilson tournament is back, bringing fans top-notch basketball, a slew of community events, and the distinct grit and passion that make Chicago sports a beloved family pastime for so many. 

“This is not just about basketball, but bridging the gaps in the community,” said longtime Chi-League organizer Jobba Maxey.

Last weekend, bridging gaps is precisely what Dreamville and Wilson did, working hand-in-hand with the South Side YMCA to host the first batch of several fun-filled, enriching activities aimed at bringing people together through basketball.

The Chi-League’s activities began with South Side Y campers taking a Friday field trip to the Wilson Sporting Goods’ headquarters to participate in a career panel featuring the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s new President and CEO, Dorri C. McWhorter. On Saturday, budding ballers enjoyed a free basketball clinic at the South Side Y, developing on-court skills while learning lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship that’ll serve them off-court, too. To round out the weekend, Y youth and families watched the Chi-League’s kickoff tournament game, witnessing Chicago’s finest basketball talent do what they do best.

And there’s plenty more to come.

Basketball lovers in our Y community are invited to join in on the fun! From clinics and games to an inspiring Town Hall, here are three ways the whole family can enjoy everything the Chi-League has to offer:

  1. Basketball aficionados aged 8-13 can train with the best in the game at the FREE basketball clinics happening Saturday, August 21 at the South Side Y from 10am-noon. There are just 15 slots left at these clinics, so don’t delay and sign your child up today!
     
  2. Got any creative, enterprising young people in your life who are interested in sports, arts, or entertainment careers? On Saturday, August 21 from 11am-noon, the South Side Y is hosting a FREE Town Hall for teens and parents in partnership with The Winning Edge Leadership Academy, Dreamville Records, and Wilson Sporting Goods. The event will feature a panel of student-athletes and young professionals moderated by Jahmal Cole, a member of the Wilson Sportswear Advisory Staff and founder of local nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City. The Town Hall will conclude with a Q&A, where attendees can ask questions about leadership, goal-setting, networking, and more. Invest in your loved ones’ futures by registering for this riveting discussion.
     
  3. On August 22, the tournament culminates in the final round of games for both the men’s and women’s brackets, closing out an electrifying month of basketball and community-building.Tip-off for Championship Game (Sunday, August 22) has now been moved to 1:30pm. Via the Chi-League’s Eventbrite page, spectators have the option to reserve their FREE tickets or donate $50 to the South Side Y for a VIP experience. Games take place at Chicago State University and tip off at noon both Sundays, with all proceeds from the series benefiting the South Side Y.

“One of the Chi-League’s slogans is ‘#bondedbyball,’ and that sentiment rings especially true of the programming we’ve hosted so far and the exciting events to come,” said Kenne’quia Howell, Executive Director of the South Side YMCA. “We’re so grateful to partner with Wilson and Dreamville to celebrate basketball, provide enriching experiences for our youth, and raise funds for our center all at once. By coming together, we’re building a stronger city.”

We look forward to seeing you and your family at the Chi-League’s many events this month!